With no end to the current prime ministerial poll deadlock in sight, the three major parties are suggesting solutions to forge a consensus.

With no end to the current prime ministerial poll deadlock in sight, the three major parties are suggesting solutions to forge a consensus.

The 17th round of voting failed again on Thursday with lone candidate, Nepali Congress leader Ram Chandra Poudel, securing just 82 votes. While 300 votes are needed for a win, only 101 lawmakers of the total 601 in the Constituent Assembly took part in voting.

As the impasse continues, Poudel indicated that he would quit the PM race in favour of UCPN chief Pushpa Kamal Dahal if the Maoists agree to four preconditions: integration of Maoist combatants, disbanding of the party’s para-military structure, logical end to the peace process and drafting of a democratic constitution.

CPN chief Jhalanath Khanal feels all three major parties should occupy the PM’s post on a rotational basis till 28 May 2011 — the extended deadline for drafting a new constitution.